I have been on a waiting list to go on a trip with a charity group for over three years. It’s designed to help poverty stricken nations in third-world countries. I have been looking forward to this for so long and I finally got called up to go. I have to jump through quite a few hoops including getting a check-up from my doctor and dentist and receiving letters saying my body and teeth are fit and healthy. The thing that worries me is that I have had this tooth that has been aching me on and off for a couple of months. Do I have to tell the dentist about it? I’m worried it will blow my chance of going and then I’ll have to go back on the waiting list, possibly for years.
Veronica
Dear Veronica,
It is admirable that you are trying to do such challenging charitable work. The truth of the matter is, if something is wrong with your tooth, even if you didn’t tell your dentist about it, he would probably find out about the issue during your check up. Even if he somehow missed it, it is much better, to be honest in situations such as this. The last thing you want is for the tooth to blow up into a dental emergency while you are out there. Not only would that put you at risk, but it will put a serious hamper on what you are able to do for the nation you are trying to help.
There is good news here. If you explain the situation to your dentist, he could get you in right away and you could get that angsty tooth taken care of in plenty of time to get the okay for your trip. Most of the time, these things can be handled quite easily, especially if you get in right away.
Best of luck to you!
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.